Good news, everyone! Mighty Con is marching triumphantly back into St. Louis! On June 23rd, Mighty Con will be bringing the show to the Saint Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, MO. The St. Louis Comic Con will feature over 100 artist tables, vendor booths, and special guests. But we’re also bringing cash prize cosplay contests, video and table top gaming tournaments, and a whole weekend of fun! St. Louis’ largest comic book and pop culture event!

Comments Off on Hero Initiative Makes Its First Appearance at Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con in 2014

Press Release:

Hero Initiative makes its first ever appearance at Wizard World St. Louis!

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 24, 2014) Hero Initiative, the non-profit that aids comic creators in medical and financial need, is travelling to Wizard World St. Louis from April 4-6 at the America’s Center for the very first time!

Stop on by Hero’s booth, #1016, to check out all our great merchandise!

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $500,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.

Comments Off on David Mack Provides Wolverine And The X-Men Variant for Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con 2014

Press Release:

Marvel Comics & Wizard World Reveal ‘Wolverine And The X-Men #1’ Exclusive Variant Cover By David Mack For St. Louis Comic Con

VIP Attendees Receive Free Copy, April 4-6; Continues Year-long Series In Which Marvel Will Offer Exclusive Books At All 16 Wizard World Shows

NEW YORK, March 3, 2014 – Marvel Comics and Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) today revealed the latest edition of its 2014 series of exclusive variant covers of the best Marvel titles with the unveiling of Wolverine And The X-Men #1, drawn by New York Times Best Selling author and artist David Mack. VIP attendees at Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, April 4-6 at America’s Center, will receive a free copy of the limited-edition book at registration.

Mack is scheduled to be on site at the event to sign copies (autograph fees may apply). Leading professional comic grader CGC will also be on hand to accept books for grading and Signature Series.

The colored version of Wolverine And The X-Men #1 will be limited to 3,000 copies and provided free at registration to all Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con VIP attendees, including any celebrity VIP packages.

“We’re very excited to partner with Wizard to bring this exclusive David Mack cover to Wolverine and the X-Men #1,” says Marvel SVP, Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “What Jason [Latour] and Mahmud [Asrar] are putting together is a very exciting series that’s sure to be a hit and we’re proud to team up with Wizard to help make the launch of the book extra special.”

Mack is the writer and artist of the Kabuki graphic novels and Daredevil from Marvel Comics and the author and artist of his children’s book The Shy Creatures from MacMillan. His work has garnered nominations for seven Eisner Awards, four International Eagle Awards, and both the Harvey and Kirby Awards in the category of Best New Talent.

“David is a favorite among Wizard World fans, and we’re honored and excited to have his take on the Wolverine vs. X-Men franchise in this collectible.” says John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “This series from Marvel continues to produce high-quality books that our attendees have been anticipating at each event.”

Welcome to the Jean Grey School Of Higher Learning! The All New Marvel Now smash hit series schools with Jason Latour (Winter Soldier) and Mahmud Asrar (X-Men) leading the charge with drama, action and homework(?)!

World-famous X-Men Wolverine, Storm, and a star-studded faculty must educate the next generation all-powerful, but inexperienced mutants! But with their own lives steeped in deadly enemies and personal crises, how can the X-Men guide and educate–let alone defend–the school?

At the Jean Grey School, you never know who will enroll…or who will lead the class! And what mysterious organization waits in the shadows to destroy Wolverine’s mutant sanctuary?

These questions and more are answered in the All-New Marvel Now sure-to-be-smash, Wolverine And The X-Men #1!

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit marvel.com.

Yes! The Hero crew will be busy bees this year bringing you special guests, parties, and much more from San Diego to Calgary to New York City! We may be attending a convention near you, so make sure you stop by and help us help others who have paved the way for many others and have brought us years of joy! JUST DO IT!

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $500,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.

Skybound and Wizard World’s Second Limited Edition Cover in the Wizard World series Free to Full-Price Attendees

NEW YORK, March 6, 2013 – Combining the legends of Robert Kirkman and his groundbreaking, Eisner Award-winning comic book series, The Walking Dead, and Arthur Suydam’s unique and prolific work in the zombie genre led to the second in a series of exclusive Wizard World variant covers of Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead #1 comic, provided for free to all full-price attendees at Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, March 22-24 at America’s Center. Wizard World and Skybound, Kirkman’s imprint at Image Comics, have teamed to produce the line.

Suydam will be on hand at Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con to sign copies of the limited-edition comic, produced in extremely limited quantities and available to fans only while supplies last. The first cover, illustrated by superstar artist Michael Golden, was a huge hit at Wizard World Portland Comic Con last weekend. A different superstar artist will draw the variant cover art for each of the six remaining scheduled Wizard World shows this year. More cover artists will be announced shortly.

Independent third-party comic book grading service CGC, a leader in the industry, will accept TWD #1 variant and Signature Series submissions at its Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con exhibitor booth.

Laurie Holden, who stars as “Andrea” in the AMC series based upon The Walking Dead, will attend Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con. Comics legend Stan Lee, Harry Potter star Tom Felton, Happy Days headline Henry Winkler, Homeland headliner Morena Baccarin and WWE® Superstar Randy Orton® are among the other top celebrity guests scheduled to appear. They will be joined by a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the second event on Wizard World’s 2013 calendar and the promotion’s inaugural event in St. Louis.

The Walking Dead graphic novels accounted for seven of the 10 bestselling titles of the year and were #1 overall for both 2011 and 2012.

Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Admission is free for kids 10 and under, and Sunday, March 24, is “Kids Day,” an array of programming specially designed for children. Event hours are Friday, March 22, 3-8 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m and Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

About Robert Kirkman
Robert Kirkman’s success and passionate advocacy for creator-owned comics led him to become the first person invited to become a partner at Image Comics since the company’s inception twenty years ago. Kirkman is the creator/writer of the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur and Thief of Thieves. In 2010, Kirkman formed his own Image imprint, Skybound, which publishes his own work and Witch Doctor, Invincible Universe and Clone. Kirkman has earned the respect of the comic, writing and television communities and topped the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels in 2011 and 2012. In April 2012, he took the top five spots on both the hardcover and paperback lists. He’s the creator/executive producer and writer of the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC’s The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. AMC is developing Thief of Thieves as a potential series with Kirkman serving as creator/executive producer and writer. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles is www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com

About Skybound
Skybound is the home of Robert Kirkman’s creator-owned work including his Eisner Award-winning comic book series, The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur, Thief of Thieves and Clone as well as Witch Doctor and Invincible Universe. Since its inception, Skybound has created television shows, merchandise and a wide spectrum of platforms, games (The Walking Dead: Assault iOS app), and entertainment events (The Walking Dead Escape). Skybound’s successes include the comic behind the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC’s The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. AMC is developing Thief of Thieves as a potential series. Skybound/Kirkman frequently top the hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles is www.Skybound.com or www.TheWalkingDead.com

About Arthur Suydam
Award winning creator and Marvel artist Arthur Suydam’s meteoric rise to superstardom for his work for the smash hit series Marvel Zombies broke graphic novel records, immediately placing the artist in the category of comic legend.

Suydam was recently honored with: the Spike TV Scream Award, (best writer, best artist, best comic of the year) Suydam’s short story Christmas Carol was chosen for inclusion in The Mammoth Book of Horror and Legends for best comic horror stories of all time and The Art of Painted Comics (2008). Suydam was recently honored with the prestigious Spectrum Gold Award for Excellence in Illustration, the San Sebastian Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and numerous fan-site favorite awards across the globe.

About Wizard World
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

NEW YORK and ST. LOUIS, March 12, 2013 – Fan communities representing the most fervent followers of blockbuster franchises like “Star Wars” and “Ghostbusters,” zombies, pop culture and science fiction are among the groups that attendees will see roaming the Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con floor, March 22-24 at America’s Center. Cosplayers from these groups love to interact with fans, adding another level of fun and in many cases raising money for charity.

Some organizations that fans will enjoy meeting include:

501st Legion, an all-volunteer organization formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts under a collective identity within which to operate. The Legion seeks to promote interest in Star Wars through the building and wearing of quality costumes, and to facilitate the use of these costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work.

Archon, a premier fan-run Science Fiction/Fantasy convention that began in 1977, held in Collinsville, Ill. Archon has a personal touch – it wants everyone who visits to have the best time, meet fellow fans and great guests, and go back home eager to return the following year.

Airship Vindus, based out of Columbia, Mo., is a collection of prop-makers, costumers, writers and artists that desire to produce and share multimedia projects specializing in all things concerning the steampunk genre. Calling the project Steamworks & Shadows, one of its main goals is the inclusion and inspiration of steampunk artists and fans in the Midwest.

The Finest, a costuming club focused on the creation, display and cosplay of G.I. Joe and Cobra costumes from the action figure lines, comic books, cartoons and most recently the movies. The Finest is always looking for new members who strive to bring to life one of the most iconic toy and comic book lines of the 1980’s.

Kansas City and Saint Louis R2 Builders Groups, founded in 1999 by Dave Everett, an internet fan based club with over 5000 members worldwide. Using the web as a common means to gather information and share thoughts and ideas with one common goal: to build their very own, life sized, R-Series Astromech Droid.

Great St. Louis Ghostbusters, who entertain children of all ages at toy shows, conventions, and other events in the St. Louis metro area. The GSTLGBs meet about once a month with no dues and no requirements for membership except that members like Ghostbusters.

STL Nerdy Girls, a spin-off of the Oklahoma City Nerdy Girls meetup. The purpose of this group is to foster continuous learning for women of all ages interested in things typically described as “nerdy.” It hosts a book club, participates in lectures and tours, and volunteers with various organizations throughout the community.

The Rebel Legion, an international Star Wars costuming organization created by, of and for people interested in creating costumes from the Star Wars mythos. Research, create, build and improve your costumes in a place where costumers with similar passions share skills, tips and ideas.

Z.O.D. Zombification and Disaster Preparedness, an organization whose purpose is to promote zombie/apocalypse enthusiasm as well as disaster preparedness in a positive atmosphere and to provide opportunities for growth through entertainment, instructional programs, & community involvement. Z.O.D. was born from the mind of Author Shane Moore’s fictitious zombie fighting group from his novel “The Apocalypse of Enoch”

The inaugural Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con features Stan Lee, Laurie Holden, Billy Dee Williams, WWE® Superstar Randy Orton®, Henry Winkler, James Marsters and Dean Cain at the top of a standout lineup of celebrities. They will be joined by an All-Star collection of well-known artists and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the second event on Wizard World’s 2013 calendar.

Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Admission is free for kids 10 and under, and Sunday, December 2, is “Kids Day,” an array of programming specially designed for children.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

NEW YORK and ST. LOUIS, March 11, 2013 – A robust selection of Q&A sessions with celebrities and superstar artists, comics industry and pop culture discussions, evening parties, costume contests and more highlight the panel room programming offerings at the inaugural Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, March 22-24 at America’s Center. Legend Stan Lee, “The Walking Dead” star Laurie Holden and Harry Potter’sTom Felton are among the top celebrities conducting panels; Neal Adams, Michael Golden, Chris Samnee and numerous other creators will interact with fans for a full lineup of comic programming including workshops and comic craft panels; and Sunday features a full slate of fun for the kids.

Compelling sessions focusing on various aspects of the comics and film industries dominate Friday sessions, with film making (4 p.m.), Steampunk (5 p.m.), artists Samnee and Freddie Williams (6 p.m.) and Doctor Who (7 p.m.) among the top offerings, capped by the popular Wizard World Drink & Draw (8:30-11 p.m.) and a paid meet and greet with Lee himself.

Saturday’s full day – and then some – kicks off with meet and greets with the original Green Power Ranger Jason David Frank (11 a.m.) and Lee (noon). The All-Star lineup continues with the “Lois & Clark” duo of Dean Cain and John Shea (1 p.m.), creators of St. Louis’ own “Voltron” comics and TV franchise, “Batman” guru Adams (2 p.m.), “Firefly” and “Homeland” star Morena Baccarin (2 p.m.), Lee’s general Q&A (3 p.m.), “The Fonz” Henry Winkler (4 p.m.) and Felton (5 p.m.). The Wizard World Adult Costume Contest (7-9 p.m.) and Official After Party (9 p.m. – 2 a.m.) at Copia (1122 Washington Ave.) close the day with a bang.

Sunday is Kids Day, with a slate of panels just for the 10-and-under set, including book readings by Brimstone (noon), how to make a cartoon by Voltron (1 p.m.), the impossibly cute Kids Costume Contest (2 p.m.) and Green Ranger Power Hour with Jason David Frank (3 p.m.). Adults needn’t feel left out, as Q&A’s featuring Holden (noon), Billy Dee Williams (1 p.m.) and the tandem of James Marsters and Juliet Landau (2 p.m.) highlight a full day of activity in the panel rooms. A power roundtable of four superstar artists, Rick Burchett, Tyler Kirkham, Jorge Molina and Samnee (1 p.m.), is a can’t-miss for comic fans.

Unless noted, programming events take place in the designated General Programming Rooms at America’s Center. Most are included as part of standard Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con admission; VIP tickets or additional costs may apply to ensure access to select activities, as noted.

*Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first served basis. Wizard World does not clear panel rooms unless attendee is seated in a section that is marked with a sign at the end of the row reading: “Row Will Be Cleared At The End Of Each Panel.”

Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Admission is free for kids 10 and under, and Sunday, March 24, is “Kids Day,” with an array of programming specially designed for children.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

Two Eisner Award Hall of Famers in Adams and legend Stan Lee, two other Eisner winners (Burchett, Freidrich) and four nominees (Bunn, Samnee, Chris Grine (“Chickenhare”) and Matt Kindt (“JLA,” Agent of S.H.A.D.E.”) will be on hand.

The stellar roster complements a celebrity lineup with Laurie Holden, Billy Dee Williams, WWE® Superstar Randy Orton®, Henry Winkler, James Marsters and Dean Cain headlining. The event also features a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the second event on Wizard World’s expanded 2013 calendar.

Additionally, all full price attendees will receive a free copy of the Exclusive Variant Cover of ‘The Walking Dead #1 comic, illustrated by Suydam, available only at Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

NEW YORK and ST. LOUIS, February 20, 2013 – Tom Felton, best known for his portrayal of “Draco Malfoy” in the Harry Potter series, and Henry Winkler, who first became a pop culture icon as “The Fonz” in the classic TV series “Happy Days,” have been added to the standout celebrity roster at the inaugural 2013 Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, March 22-24 at America’s Center. The two join previously announced guests Stan Lee, Laurie Holden, Billy Dee Williams, WWE® Superstar Randy Orton®, James Marsters and Dean Cain among the headliners.

Felton, who began filming commercials at age eight and auditioned for the Malfoy role at age 12, appeared as the increasingly prominent villainous character in all eight films based on J.K. Rowlings’ blockbuster fantasy series, from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in 2001 through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in 2011. He also appeared as “Dodge Landon” in Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011.

After taking the entertainment world by storm in his breakout role as “Fonzie” in the popular sitcom “Happy Days” (1974-84), Winkler established himself as an award-winning producer and director, mixing in a few well-placed acting roles like Scream, Waterboy and last year’s Here Comes the Boom along the way. After achieving success as “Fonzie,” originally written as a minor character but which soon earned him billing alongside other series stars Ron Howard and Tom Bosley, Winkler quickly transitioned to produce the successful television series “MacGyver” and direct the film Memories of Me, among dozens of off-screen credits over the past four decades.

Felton will appear at Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con on Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24, while Winkler is scheduled to attend all three days.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

NEW YORK and ST. LOUIS, January 16, 2013 – It will be a homecoming for St. Louis native WWE® Superstar Randy Orton® when he attends 2013 Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con on Friday, March 22, at America’s Center. Orton will meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photo-ops in a two-hour appearance from 5:30-7:30p.m.

Orton, who earned the distinction of being the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in WWE history, saw his star rise when he won the World Heavyweight Championship at the unprecedented age of 24. Today the WWE’s “Apex Predator” is known as one of the very best inside the ring and he is appreciated for his work by fans and peers alike.

The son of WWE Hall of Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton, nephew of Barry “Barry O” Orton and grandson of “The Big O” Bob Orton, Randy comes from a distinctive bloodline. He is one of the only third-generation Superstars in WWE history, and can be seen every week on Syfy’s most watched program, Friday Night SmackDown at 8/7c.

“I have great memories of growing up in St. Louis, so this will be a homecoming of sorts for me. Fans there have supported me for as long as I can remember, and I can’t wait to see them at my first Wizard show,”said Orton.

Wizard World CEO John Macaluso adds, “Randy is a decorated champion and one of the elite WWE Superstars of his generation. We are incredibly excited to bring Randy out to see his hometown fans.”

Orton joins popular Wizard World celebrity guests Stan Lee, Dean Cain, Billy Dee Williams, James Marsters and Ernie Hudson among the celebrity roster headliners at Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con. They will be joined by a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the second event on Wizard World’s expanded 2013 calendar.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.